In a heartwarming act of generosity and civic leadership, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has donated his entire $4.75 million in recent sponsorship earnings to a local homeless shelter initiative aimed at addressing Denver’s growing housing crisis.
The donation, announced at a press conference on Saturday morning, will be directed toward the expansion of the Metro Avalanche’s Homeless program, a collaborative effort between the city, local nonprofits, and private donors to develop long-term housing solutions. Bednar’s contribution is set to fund the construction of 150 permanent supportive housing units and 300 additional emergency shelter beds across the Denver metro area.
“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way,” Bednar said. “No one deserves to sleep on a sidewalk.”
A Personal Cause
The usually reserved coach became emotional as he reflected on his childhood in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, where he recalled neighbors and family friends struggling to make ends meet.
“There were nights when people I cared about didn’t have a place to stay. That never leaves you,” Bednar said. “When you walk around Denver now and see how many people are facing the same struggles, it breaks your heart. This city has given me everything. This is just one way I can give something back.”
Transforming Dollars into Dignity
City officials say the donation will fast-track several housing projects already in planning phases, including a new mixed-use complex in the Five Points neighborhood, complete with job training facilities, mental health services, and on-site medical care.
“Coach Bednar’s gift is transformative,” said Denver Mayor Carolina Reeves. “Not just in its size, but in its timing and focus. He’s helping us turn temporary fixes into permanent solutions.”
The donation marks one of the largest single private contributions to a homelessness initiative in Denver’s history.
Community and Teammate Reactions
Players and staff from the Avalanche organization were quick to praise Bednar’s move. Team captain Cale Makar said he wasn’t surprised by the coach’s decision.
“That’s just who he is. He leads with integrity, and he genuinely cares about people,” Makar said. “We’re all proud to be part of an organization that believes in community first.”
Bednar has reportedly declined all offers for naming rights or dedications in his honor. Instead, he requested that the facilities be named after individuals who have experienced homelessness and are now mentoring others.
More Than a Game
Though best known for leading the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup win in 2022 and maintaining one of the best coaching records in NHL history, Bednar’s gesture is already being remembered as one of the most impactful off-the-ice moments of his career.
With the 2025-26 NHL season around the corner, Bednar says his focus remains on winning — not just games, but battles against poverty, inequality, and hopelessness.
“Hockey is what I do,” he said. “But helping people — that’s who I am.”
As Denver prepares for colder months ahead, Bednar’s donation could mean the difference between life and death for hundreds. In a time of deep division and uncertainty, this act of compassion from one of the NHL’s most respected coaches is a welcome reminder of what it means to lead — not just on the ice, but in the heart of the community.
